Making it Easier to Access Govt Services in North

eAwazLocal News

Province partnering with Township of Pickle Lake to open ServiceOntario centre

PICKLE LAKE – The Ontario government in partnership with the Township of Pickle Lake is opening a local ServiceOntario centre, making it easier and more convenient for families and businesses in the community to access the services they depend on. “Our government is putting Ontarians first by finding simpler, faster and better ways to connect them to the services and information they need,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery. “I am pleased that ServiceOntario continues to find new ways to ensure that service delivery meets the needs of all our communities, and I am proud of the support of the Kenora District Services Board and the partnership of the Township in operating the Pickle Lake ServiceOntario centre.”

The ServiceOntario centre is located in the Township of Pickle Lake office at 2 Anne Street South, creating a community hub for the residents of Pickle Lake and surrounding area to access services from both levels of government. People can access Driver and Vehicle, Health Card, Ontario Photo Card and Accessible Parking Permit services at the centre Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Having a ServiceOntario centre here will be a great relief not only for residents of Pickle Lake, but also Mishkeegogamang and neighbouring communities, saving people hours of travel to access critical services. As well, many travelers coming down the winter roads from the north will be able to stop in to complete important transactions before continuing their travels,” said James Dalzell, Mayor, Pickle Lake.

“Today’s commitment marks a key investment by the Government of Ontario and the Township of Pickle of Lake to ensure families and seniors living in northern and remote communities will have access to important provincial and community services like ServiceOntario. Kenora District Services Board is pleased to be part of this work, collaborating with the team at ServiceOntario, and we are looking forward to working with the community of Pickle Lake and Minister McCarthy to continue to improve access to supports and services in Pickle Lake and for surrounding communities,” said Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the Kenora District Services Board.

The Pickle Lake municipal partnership is one example of how ServiceOntario is developing and testing new service delivery models that enhance customer experience, strengthen community presence, and are cost effective and adaptable for use across the province. Recently, the North Shore Tribal Council launched its first-ever Indigenous-led ServiceOntario, with a centre operating in the Council headquarters in Cutler, along with a mobile service unit operating within the Robinson-Huron Treaty area. In Eganville, ServiceOntario is in partnership with Employment Ontario.